Hail to the Rich; Screw the Poor

The U.S. Senate took its first vote on the budget Thursday night into Friday morning. (see below)

Rejected means voted against. Most of the votes were straight partisan, only Collins and Hawley broke ranks a couple of times.

Republicans voted against stopping prescription drug price gouging, Veterans health care, fertility services (IVF), funding for law enforcement, health care accessibility, funding for school breakfast/lunch programs, staffing to stop avian flu, stopping decreases in Medicare and Medicaid funding, and many other things. Don't believe me, read it for yourself. 52 votes is generally Republican, 48 is Democrats. That's the partisan numbers in the Senate.

Here's a rather sloppy story by the New York Times on it, if you subscribe to that, although this is supposed to be a gift article:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/20/us/politics/senate-vote-budget.html?unlocked_article_code=1.zE4.5Iid.3CV-HbXTZRKM&smid=url-share

Senate Passes G.O.P. Budget Plan After Democrats Force Long Night of Votes - The New York Times

If you want a right-wing rah-rah story about it, go find that yourself.

And here's a link to the votes that I've pasted below. Happy reading. 

 

U.S. Senate: Roll Call Votes 119th Congress - 1st Session (2025)

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Vote (Tally)	Result	Question: Description	Issue	Date
87 (52-48)	Agreed to	On the Concurrent Resolution: S.Con.Res. 7, As Amended; An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.	S.Con.Res. 7	Feb 21
86 (49-51)	Rejected	On the Amendment S.Amdt. 1207: Merkley Amdt. No. 1207; To establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to ending price gouging on prescription drugs.	S.Con.Res. 7	Feb 21
85 (53-47)	Agreed to	On the Amendment S.Amdt. 922: Lee Amdt. No. 922; To establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to Congress continuing its work to rein in the administrative state by supporting legislation that prevents Federal agencies from finalizing major rules without congressional approval, strengthens the Article 1 law-making powers of Congress, cuts spending resulting from costly regulations, reduces inflation, and unleashes economic growth.	S.Con.Res. 7	Feb 21
84 (47-53)	Rejected	On the Amendment S.Amdt. 957: Lujan Amdt. No. 957; To strike reconciliation instructions requiring damaging cuts to programs critical to rural Americans and food assistance for American families.	S.Con.Res. 7	Feb 21
83 (47-52)	Rejected	On the Amendment S.Amdt. 659: Blumenthal Amdt. No. 659; To ensure full and uninterrupted funding for Department of Veterans Affairs health care and benefits provided by the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-168), also known as the "PACT Act", preventing any cuts or delays.	S.Con.Res. 7	Feb 21
82 (49-51)	Rejected	On the Amendment S.Amdt. 971: Duckworth Amdt. No. 971; To establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to protecting access to fertility services, and eliminating barriers for families in need of high-quality, affordable fertility services by expanding nationwide coverage for in vitro fertilization.	S.Con.Res. 7	Feb 21
81 (48-52)	Rejected	On the Amendment S.Amdt. 699: Lujan Amdt. No. 699; To establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to supporting police, which may include initiatives that provide funding directly to law enforcement agencies to hire or rehire additional career law enforcement officers in an effort to increase their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts.	S.Con.Res. 7	Feb 21
80 (48-52)	Rejected	On the Amendment S.Amdt. 436: Shaheen Amdt. No. 436; To establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to preserving and extending vital tax credits enacted under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which make heath care accessible and affordable and that have led to the lowest uninsured rate in our Nation's history.	S.Con.Res. 7	Feb 21
79 (49-51)	Rejected	On the Motion S.Amdt. 233: Motion to Waive All Applicable Budgetary Discipline Re: Van Hollen Amdt. No. 233; To create a point of order against legislation that would cut funding from the school lunch or school breakfast programs.	S.Con.Res. 7	Feb 21
78 (47-53)	Rejected	On the Amendment S.Amdt. 664: Slotkin Amdt. No. 664; To establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to preventing reductions in funding and staffing necessary to respond to, control, and prevent avian flu.	S.Con.Res. 7	Feb 21
77 (24-76)	Rejected	On the Amendment S.Amdt. 999: Paul Amdt No. 999; To require an adequate amount of deficit reduction as part of reconciliation.	S.Con.Res. 7	Feb 21
76 (47-53)	Rejected	On the Amendment S.Amdt. 299: Reed Amdt. No. 299; To ensure continued United States support for the Government of Ukraine to stand firm against aggression by the Government of Russia in Europe.	S.Con.Res. 7	Feb 21
75 (49-51)	Rejected	On the Motion S.Amdt. 172: Motion to Waive All Applicable Budgetary Discipline Re: Reed Amdt. No. 172; To create a point of order against legislation that would reduce Medicare and Medicaid benefits for Americans.	S.Con.Res. 7	Feb 21
74 (48-52)	Rejected	On the Motion S.Amdt. 276: Motion to Waive All Applicable Budgetary Discipline Re: Baldwin Amdt. No. 276; To create a point of order against legislation that would take away health care from seniors, including those receiving care in nursing homes, through cuts to the Medicaid program.	S.Con.Res. 7	Feb 21
73 (47-53)	Rejected	On the Motion S.Amdt. 1156: Motion to Waive All Applicable Budgetary Discipline Re: Wyden Amdt. No. 1156; To prevent millions of Americans from being kicked off their health coverage, suffering needlessly, getting sicker, and dying sooner.	S.Con.Res. 7	Feb 20
72 (49-51)	Rejected	On the Amendment S.Amdt. 407: Ossoff Amdt. No. 407; To establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to protecting access to maternal and pediatric health care through Medicaid.	S.Con.Res. 7	Feb 20
71 (49-51)	Rejected	On the Motion S.Amdt. 776: Motion to Waive All Applicable Budgetary Discipline Re: Schumer Amdt. No. 776; To prevent tax cuts for the wealthy if a single dollar of Medicaid funding is cut.	S.Con.Res. 7	Feb 20
70 (51-49)	Agreed to	On the Amendment S.Amdt. 1029: Sullivan Amdt. No. 1029; To establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to protecting Medicare and Medicaid.	S.Con.Res. 7	Feb 20
69 (48-52)	Rejected	On the Amendment S.Amdt. 316: Schiff Amdt. No. 316; To establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to supporting Federal wildland firefighters and associated personnel.	S.Con.Res. 7	Feb 20
68 (48-52)	Rejected	On the Amendment S.Amdt. 540: Bennet Amdt. No. 540; To establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to reinstating the fired Federal employees at the Forest Service, National Park Service, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management.	S.Con.Res. 7	Feb 20
67 (47-53)	Rejected	On the Motion S.Amdt. 925: Motion to Waive All Applicable Budgetary Discipline Re: Hickenlooper Amdt. No. 925; To create a point of order against legislation that would raise energy costs for Americans, including higher monthly electricity bills, building material expenses, and transportation costs.	S.Con.Res. 7	Feb 20
66 (47-53)	Rejected	On the Amendment S.Amdt. 878: Murray Amdt. No. 878; To strike the reconciliation instructions and create a reserve fund to implement a bipartisan, multi-year agreement to provide up to $171,000,000,000 in discretionary funding for defense and up to $171,000,000,000 in discretionary funding for other programs, accounts, and activities to address border, veterans, farmers, food and nutrition, disaster relief, and other needs.	S.Con.Res. 7	Feb 20
65 (47-53)	Rejected	On the Motion S.Amdt. 130: Motion to Waive All Applicable Budgetary Discipline Re: Warner Amdt. No. 130; To create a point of order against any reconciliation bill that would not decrease the cost of housing for American families.	S.Con.Res. 7	Feb 20
64 (48-52)	Rejected	On the Amendment S.Amdt. 473: Merkley Amdt. No. 473; To establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to the impacts of hedge fund ownership of single-family homes and rent prices.	S.Con.Res. 7	Feb 20
63 (48-52)	Rejected	On the Motion S.Amdt. 494: Motion to Waive All Applicable Budgetary Discipline Re: Klobuchar Amdt. No. 494; To stop tax cuts for the ultra-rich while families struggle to put food on the table.	S.Con.Res. 7	Feb 20
62 (47-52)	Rejected	On the Motion S.Amdt. 454: Motion to Waive All Applicable Budgetary Discipline Re: Schumer Amdt. No. 454; To prevent unwarranted tax cuts for the ultra-rich.	S.Con.Res. 7	Feb 20
61 (51-49)	Confirmed	On the Nomination: Confirmation: Kashyap Patel, of Nevada, to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation	PN12-35	Feb 20

What It Stands For

 “MAGA stands for trying to erase trans people from existence. MAGA stands for resegregation and racism. MAGA stands for censorship and book bans. MAGA stands for firing air traffic controllers while planes are crashing. MAGA stands for firing the people overseeing our nuclear arsenal. MAGA stands for firing military veterans and those serving them at the VA, including canceling research on veteran suicide. MAGA stands for cutting funds to education, including for disabled children. MAGA is profoundly corrupt, unmistakably anti-democracy and most importantly, MAGA is explicitly a Nazi movement. You may have replaced a swastika with a red hat, but that is what it is.” - Chris Kluwe, former NFL dude

A Life Like This

This morning while I was showering with my unscented shampoo and unscented conditioner, using my fragrance-free soap and then drying off with my towel cleaned in sensitive skin and fragrance-free laundry detergent, and then dried with fragrance-free Bounce, I thought about how difficult it is to be someone who is sensitive to, well, pretty much everything.

I wondered how I might show that to a world where the smells of lavender or roses or lilies make people smile, not haul out an inhaler.

That first paragraph is a good start. But let me add that much of the items I do use - from my unscented deodorant to my unscented body lotion - are expensive.

Unscented shampoos and conditioners cost about $13 a bottle for each. Fortunately, they last a long while and I am not overly generous in my use of them, but still, it's not cheap.

I also cannot stand the smell of cigarettes or cigars, perfumes of any type, makeup, hairspray, other people's deodorant, other people if they've been around their pets, and on and on.

Hay season is sneeze season. I love flowers but can't have them in the house. Even plants that don't flower end up bothering me because the smell of the damp earth can set off an asthma attack (it's actually some kind of mold in the dirt).

It's hard to live in the world when many of the things in the world are out to take your breath away.

When my husband and I first started dating, he used Old Spice. My father also used Old Spice at the time, so I recognized the scent. My sensitivities were not as bad then as they are now; they've grown worse as I've aged. But I found, to my dismay, that when my new boyfriend kissed me, my face broke out.

I didn't kiss on my father, of course, aside from a peck on the cheek. My boyfriend liked to kiss, and we kissed for long periods of time. (Sometimes I thought we were going for a record.)

After about two weeks, I told him if he wanted to keep dating me, he would have to rid himself of his Old Spice aftershave. I explained that it was irritating my skin and occasionally I was having difficulty breathing when I smelled it. The more I was around him, the worse it got. (Long exposure to things will make the sensitivity worse.)

The next time we went out, he smelled . . . of nothing. He had ditched his aftershave and his deodorant and chosen to go with all unscented.

I knew then we'd marry for sure. How could I turn away a guy who'd give up his cologne for me?

In my house, there are no scents, except natural ones. Just the scents of the two people who live here, our sweat, sometimes, and the odors that new products give out occasionally. The towels don't smell fresh, they are just towels with no smell. (Gain is the worst for smells on clothes.) Clothes don't smell like anything, either.

Every new piece of clothing that comes in the house must be washed before it can be worn. Each of us has to shower if we've been outside or out in public, because the odors of the world stick to our hair and to our clothes. If I go to bed without a shower and I've been out in public, then I wake up sick the next morning.

Living on a farm means many different kinds of odors. My husband, bless him, takes his clothes off in the garage and comes in for lunch in his underwear when he's been out in the field. Either that or I make him lunch and he eats outside.

I am almost a prisoner to my sensitivities; they keep me so housebound. I don't go to many places anymore simply because they will make me sick.

Here's another example: I once went to the University of Virginia library to do research, and I had so much trouble breathing that I couldn't stay. I can't crawl through old records - something I dearly love doing - because of the molds and dust on them. I had to stop going through the records in the county courthouse for the same reason.

I also stopped spending much time in the library because it had grown musty and smelled. They recently remodeled it and aside from the new carpet smell, it is much better. Once the new carpet smell has dissipated, I may be able to spend time there again.

This disability - I'm not sure that's the right word - has really impeded my life, especially as it has grown worse as I've aged. Many things I enjoyed doing I no longer do. I prefer to be well to being sick - I have spent enough time being sick - and avoidance seems to be the best answer anyone has for me. 

If you have a person with sensitivities in your life, I hope you can find some compassion for them. They aren't simply picky or being difficult. Life is hard for someone like me.

Even though we may love the flowers, we cannot stop to smell them.

Thursday Thirteen #895

Here's a list of 13 essential skills that can empower anyone to handle everyday challenges and opportunities:

1. Basic Cooking Skills: Preparing simple, nutritious meals can improve your health and save money.

2. Household Management: Knowing how to clean, organize, and maintain your living space creates a comfortable environment.

3. Financial Literacy: Budgeting, saving, and managing personal finances are crucial for long-term stability.

4. Effective Communication: Mastering both verbal and written communication helps in personal relationships and professional settings.

5. Basic First Aid: Understanding emergency procedures, including CPR and wound care, can make a life-saving difference.

6. Self-Defense: Basic techniques and awareness help protect your personal safety.

7. Digital Literacy: Proficiency with computers, smartphones, and common software is key in today’s technology-driven world.

8. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Being able to analyze situations and make informed decisions is invaluable.

9. Laundry and Clothing Care: Knowing how to properly wash, dry, and maintain clothes keeps you looking your best.

10. Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness or exercise help maintain mental well-being.

11. Social Etiquette and Manners: Understanding appropriate behavior enhances personal and professional relationships.

12. Public Speaking: Being able to present your ideas confidently in front of others is a powerful tool.

13. Basic Home Repairs: Handling minor fixes around the house can save time and money.

I can manage all but stress management and public speaking. Neither of those are strong points. I took self-defense classes. I know basic first aid. I am not as good with computers as I once was, but I still can manage them. I keep our books and budget. Being a news writer required critical thinking skills. My manners aren't bad. Alas, I hate to cook, but we don't starve.

How do you do on that list? 

_________________

Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 895th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

I Still Mask

Monday, I went out to the grocery store and the drug store.

I was the only person I saw wearing a mask.

Right now respiratory diseases are high. Here is the Virginia data:

As you can see, it's high all over the state.

And here is the CDC data, which I assume is suspect given the current administration, but regardless, it doesn't paint a rosy picture either:

See that bottom line there from my screen shot? "Seasonal influenza activity remains elevated and is higher than it has been all season."

Many people did not get the flu shot this year. According to this article in Time magazine, only 44% of adults and children received the flu shot. The goal is for 70% to receive the shot in order to ensure "herd immunity" from the virus.

I received my flu shot. I am smart enough to know that doesn't mean I won't get the flu. Viruses mutate.

I don't care what people think of me if they see me in a mask. To hell with them. In fact, when people get near me, I start coughing to make sure they move on. I was sick for nearly six weeks. I don't need anything else, although I woke this morning feeling like the illness I had is back for a second run at me. I am hoping it's just the weather.

Most people have never seen me have an asthma attack. My husband has. They are scary. If I had one in the middle of the grocery store, someone would end up calling for an ambulance. I don't need that, and I don't need more asthma attacks simply because somebody doesn't want to see me masking up. It's my face and I took the extra step of having my doctor write me a note saying I should wear a mask when I am public because of my asthma. I carry it with me everywhere I go.

A mask may not keep me completely well, but it hurts nothing to wear it and if that little extra bit of precaution makes me feel proactive, then so what.

I'm taking care of myself as best I can. And that is my business, nobody else's.

Sunday Stealing Archive Edition

1. Where is your significant other?

A. As I write this, my significant other is down at the shed working on a tractor.

2. What is your favorite thing?

A. My favorite thing is my computer.

3. Did you dream last night?

A. If I did, I do not remember it.

4. Do you have goals?

A. I do not have goals much anymore. They're more like ephemeral hopes.

5. Do you have any hobbies?

A. I read, write, play music, and play video games.

6. Where do you want to be in 6 years?

A. I expect I will be right where I am.

7. Where were you last night?

A. Last night, I was in bed asleep.

8. What are you not?

A. I am not intentionally mean or cruel. I'm sure I have been at various times, but I have never intended to be.

9. Name one of your wish list items.

A. I would like to redo my office. It needs new flooring, and I would like a different desk.

10. Do you have a pet?

A. I do not have a pet, unless one counts the cattle.

11. Are you missing someone?

A. I am missing several someones at the moment.

12. What kind of car do you drive?

A. I drive a Toyota Camry.

13. What is something you're not wearing?

A. I am not wearing a dress.

14. Do you love someone?

A. I love lots of people.

15. When was the last time you laughed?

A. I laughed earlier today.

16. When was the last time you cried?

A. A few weeks ago I cried because I was so very tired of feeling ill.

17. What is your favorite past time?

A. Reading.

18. Are you a hater or a lover?

A. I am a lover, I hope.

19. Do you have any vices?

A. I swear a lot.

20. What is your favorite meme other than Sunday Stealing?

A. Saturday 9, of course.

__________

I encourage you to visit other participants in Sunday Stealing posts and leave a comment. Cheers to all us thieves who love memes, however we come by them.

Saturday 9: Cupid

Saturday 9: Cupid (1961)

 

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

 

1) In this song, Sam Cooke enlists the help of Cupid, the Roman god of love, to help him get a girl. In Greek mythology, the god of love and lust has a different name. Do you know what it is?

A. Eros, I think. I am disturbed that I am not sure because I once was a whiz at Greek mythology, about 50 years ago.

 

2) Sam Cooke was inducted as a charter member into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The museum and hall are located in Cleveland, OH. Cleveland is proud of the six major museums featured on its website. When did you most recently visit a museum?

A. I visited the local history museum last. It was months ago.

3) Sam went to Wendall Phillips Academy, the same Chicago high school Nat King Cole attended. Can your high school claim any noteworthy alums?

A. Nobody comes to mind.

4) "Cupid" was released in 1961. One of the major news stories of that year was the death of Ernest Hemingway. Have you read any of his works?

A. I have, but it has been a long time (like college). 

  

Since February 14 was Valentine's Day...

 

5) Sweethearts, those small heart-shaped candies printed with messages like "Be Mine" and "Kiss Me," are top sellers this time of year. Did you enjoy them as a child? Do you enjoy them now?

A. I always liked them and would eat a box of them, but I haven't been in the store to buy any.

 

6) While Valentine's Day is popular in Mexico, it's celebrated a bit differently than it is here. For our neighbors to the south, it's a day for love and friendship, with no distinction between romantic, familial or platonic love. Do you tell your friends you love them? Or do you reserve "I love you" for your partner and family?

A. I tell my friends I love them. I don't think it's something you shouldn't say if you feel it.

7) In Poland, Valentine's Day, or Walentynki, is often celebrated with a gift of "tea and sweets" -- a tin of black tea paired with candy. Do you more often drink tea or coffee?

A. I never drank coffee. I used to drink tea.

 

8) One of London's top accounting firms did a study and reports that in England, Valentine's Day is a 52%/48% affair. 52% of the participants planned on buying at least one card or gift, while 48% did not expect to spend anything on Valentine's Day. This year, were you one of the 52% or the 48%?

A. I was one of the 48%, but my husband was one of the 52%. Since I'd been sick and then we had ice and snow, I was not able to get out to purchase him anything.

9) A similar study in Rome showed that today's young lovers would prefer to share a romantic experience on Valentine's Day – a stroll through the gardens of Villa Borghese was a popular choice – than exchange gifts. Would you rather do something memorable for Valentine's Day or receive something you can retain as a keepsake?

A. I would just as soon not do anything at all, to be honest. It's a made-up holiday.

_______________

I encourage you to visit the posts of other participants in Saturday 9 and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however. 

Thursday Thirteen

1. Yesterday, I had a great hair day. I also didn't have anywhere to go and barely saw my husband. What a waste of a good hair day.

2. We had ice overnight on top of the snow and ice that was already here. The sun is out now. I am glad to see the sunshine.

3. I had two asthma attacks yesterday. One was fairly severe and scared both me and my husband. I didn't grab my inhaler fast enough and it went on too long. The second one, I stopped quickly by grabbing the inhaler as soon as I felt that clutch in my throat and a cough that indicates a problem. I think they came from the air; it was heavy with the cold and the water coming with the current weather system.

4. Lesson learned, though. Next time, use the inhaler sooner. I dislike using them; even today I am tasting albuterol as I breathe in out - but better than not being able to breathe at all.

5. I am almost finished with the 2024 taxes, which will then go to an accountant. It is a relief to no longer have it uppermost in my mind.

6. Maybe it's time to have a little fun with something. Real fun. Like roller coaster ride fun. Only I don't ride roller coasters anymore. The last time we went on some of those rides, they beat us both to death and nearly dislocated my husband's arm. We don't do amusement parks anymore.

7. We do like historical parks and museums, though. That's more educational than fun, although seeing how people lived 200 years ago is interesting to us. My husband enjoys the farm machinery displays and most old things have to do with agriculture, because we used to be an agrarian society.

8. Now we are a technological society, but we still have to eat. It is unfortunate that many people seem to think food is grown in the warehouse of the grocery store and have no clue where their food actually comes from. 

9. I ran across an episode of MASH on TV, or rather, my husband did. I told him to add it to the DVR because I can't find it otherwise. Sometimes you just want to watch something that you know is good and pure. MASH fits that description.

10. One time I tried to tape every episode of The Partridge Family when it was running on AXIOS, I think it was, but after I watched a couple of episodes, I stopped the recordings and deleted the rest. The show doesn't hold up well. Or maybe I just outgrew David Cassidy. He's still a cutie on the show, but I don't need a cutie. I have my own fellow now.

11. My voice has mostly returned, finally, and I think I'm about over whatever I had for most of January and up until this week. I am feeling better except kind of sad about the crazy things happening in the world.

12. It is hard to complain if you aren't willing to do anything about it, and I don't know what I can do about pretty much anything sometimes. Even figuring dinner can be a pain.

13. So that's a list of 13 things. Not great, but something. Thanks everybody for reading.

_________________

Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 894th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

A Song of Ice and Snow

 

The stuff from the sky has ceased falling. It left about 6 inches on the ground, and a mix of sleet and rain overnight has turned it into a crusty mess.

Unfortunately, the tractor that has the snow blade on it crapped out yesterday while my husband was trying to clear driveways, so my driveway is not passable without 4-wheel drive. My car is all-wheel drive, but that won't get me home if I go out.

The weather folks also say we will get more precipitation later in the day. It is foggy and still outside. If there were wind, I would think the storm were over, but there's scarcely a breeze so I suspect more of something - sleet, rain snow, who knows - is on the way.

Musings of a Doom-Scrolled Mind

I am taking a break from working on my tax records and trying to come up with something to write about.

My brain is shoved full of information from doom scrolling, and I don't want to touch the idiocy coming out of the house of white.

It is not, of course, actual idiocy. It's really quite clever and incredibly devious (and very divisive). I do not admire devious people, however. In fact, in my Elder Scrolls: Castles game, when I have a little person doing work who has devious characteristics in personality, I frequently end up banishing that little person because they are close to stabbing someone in the back.

That's what devious people with devious personalities do.

Speaking of personality, I have noticed of late that my Microsoft feed is suddenly offering me up all of these pop psychology things like "11 Things Smart People Say" or "Characteristics That Indicate You're a Genius."

I haven't been searching for things like this, so I have no idea why it's suddenly popping up. Well, actually, I do. I think it's a push toward that particular and peculiar train of thought that some people are smarter than others and therefore they get to make all the rules and should have the best jobs. You know that stuff that Adolf Hitler proposed. The kind of thinking that makes someone say inferior people were hired to be aircraft controllers. That sort of thing.

We went to war over that, and I don't like that my computer is trying to subconsciously reinforce that message. 

I have learned that there are differing levels of intelligence, and there are also different kinds of intelligence. Emotional intelligence, for example. Logical intelligence. Literary/language intelligence. Mathematics/engineering type intelligence. I am not sure of categories; I am making them up as I go along here. Some people have a social intelligence that I admire greatly. I lack that, although I generally get along with most people. But not everyone.

We have snow on the ground. I predicated 8 inches, but it hasn't stopped falling yet. Last time I measured we had about 5 inches, but then it started sleeting and icing, and that tends to make the snow totals drop because of the weight of the ice. We may not end up with 8 inches. Regardless, this is probably enough to keep my car in the garage for the rest of the week, even if my husband plows the driveway. The hill up to my house is very, very steep.

It has been a dismal day, and working on the 2024 taxes hasn't helped. I hate doing that. It is a horrid task because we are involved in multiple enterprises: my little bit of writing, my husband's septic tank installation, a farm, a piece of rental property. Nothing that will make us rich or wealthy, but enough to keep us going.

Still, it's a lot of paperwork when you have multiple jobs. And I do all the paperwork and then hand it over to an accountant who plugs in the numbers - boop boop boop - and then tells us what we owe and asks for a check.

Somehow that doesn't seem quite fair.

Sunday Stealing Archive Edition

From the Sunday Stealing archives (2009)

1. What is your occupation right now?

A. I still do some freelance writing, but mostly I take care of my husband and my house.

2. What color are your socks right now?

A. White.

3. What are you listening to right now?

A. Nothing. Just the sound of the space heater behind me.

4. Who was the last person you spoke to on the phone?

A. My husband.

5. How old are you today?

A. I am 61 years old.

6. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?

A. I like women's basketball.

7. What is your favorite drink?

A. I only drink water. I used to like root beer, though.

8. Have you ever dyed your hair?

A. I have had it highlighted, but never completely dyed. Now it's just going gray.

9. What is your favorite food?

A. I am partial to chocolate. That's probably not an actual food.

10. What is the last movie you watched?

A. The Replacements, I think.

11. Favorite day of the year?

A. My birthday.

12. How do you vent anger?

A. I have been known to throw things. Most recently I beat up a box of tissues.

13. What was your favorite toy as a child?

A. I liked to play with action dolls, not doll babies or Barbie.

14. What are your living arrangements?

A. I live in a house with my husband.

15. What was the last thing that you cried about?

A. I have been sick for several weeks now and it frustrates me to the point of tears on occasion.

16. Who is the friend you have had the longest?

A. The friend I have had the longest is Leslianne, not counting my husband. Oh, there are people I am Facebook friends with whom I have known longer, but they are mostly acquaintances now. Leslie and I are friends.

17. What did you do last night?

A. I watched TV and went to bed.

18. What are you most afraid of?

A. Losing the country.

19. In how many areas of your country have you lived?

A. Just one.

20. What is your favorite flower?

A. I like irises.

Saturday 9: But Beautiful

Saturday 9: But Beautiful (1947)

   

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

 

1) The lyrics encourage us to take a chance on love. What's something you've done recently that took you outside your comfort zone? How did it turn out?

A. I made phone calls to my congress people. I do not like to do this; it makes me very uncomfortable. Even using a script, I did not manage it well. In fact, I told one of my senators to "grow a pair" and do something to stop the steal. It has gotten a little easier with successive calls, but it is not at all something I am comfortable doing.

 

2) Bing Crosby introduced "But Beautiful" in the 1947 film, Road to Rio. Name another movie song that became a hit.

A. Hopelessly Devoted to You, by Olivia Newton John, from Grease.

 

3) Bing's leading lady in Road to Rio was Dorothy Lamour. When she was a teenager, she worked as an elevator operator. With the advent of user-operated/push-button elevators, few elevator operator jobs remain. What's another job that was once commonplace, but has virtually disappeared?

A. Secretary. I don't know of anyone who is a secretary anymore.

 

4) Road to Rio was one of seven Road movies Bing Crosby and Bob Hope made together. They were one the most financially successful comedy teams in history. What movie or TV show always makes you laugh?

A. We watch reruns of The Big Bang Theory a lot.

5) Crosby's given name was Harry but he acquired the nickname "Bing" because as a kid he was a fan of a comic strip character named "Bingo." As a child, did you read the newspaper?

A. I began reading the newspaper when I was four years old, and I still read the newspaper. I'm not sure I understand it any better at 61 than I did at 4.

 

6) His 1942 version of "White Christmas" is still one of the best-selling records of all time. He was a movie star, nominated three times for the Oscar, winning once. Can you name another performer who has been successful both acting and singing?

A. Dolly Parton.

7) Bing loved golf and enjoyed traveling the world, playing at different courses. If today you were to receive an airline ticket to any city in the world, what destination would you choose? What would you be certain to see/do there?

A. I would go to Paris. I have been there once, when I was a teenager, and I would love to go back to the Louvre and see the magnificent art there again. I also would like to tour the countryside and see the repairs to Notre Dame.

8) In 1947, when "But Beautiful" was a hit, Farrah Fawcett was born. She became famous for her bathing suit poster, her blonde hair, and a 70s TV show. Without looking it up, do you know the name of that television series?

A. Charlie's Angels. It also starred Jacquelyn Smith and Kate Jackson. Kate Jackson was my favorite.

9) Random question -- Are you someone who makes things happen, or someone things happen to?

A. When I worked for the newspaper, I made a lot of things happen that no one knew about. I liked to do it quietly. Now that I mostly just stay at home, I guess I am someone things happen to.

_______________

I encourage you to visit the posts of other participants in Saturday 9 and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however. 

Review: The West Wing

The West Wing
Seasons 1-7

First aired September 1999 - May 2006

Created by Aaron Sorkin

Starring: Rob Lowe, Martin Sheen, Allison Janney, Richard Schiff, John Spencer, Bradley Whitford, Janel Moloney, Stockard Channing, Dule Hill, and in later seasons, Jimmy Smits and Alan Alda.

Back around Thanksgiving, we started watching The West Wing when there was nothing else on to watch.

We were quickly hooked. The characters were three dimensional, the plot fast pasted, and the enormity of an incoming administration with which we strongly disagree led us to feel all the feels of the show, as well as analyze it as a fictional lesson in writing about politics (for me, anyway).

The last two episodes last night were what they needed to be, as President Jed Bartlett left the White House and the staff disbursed and went their separate ways.

We binged on this show much like we did Downton Abbey. It was captivating. It was obviously fictional - there was no 9/11 event in this show, no war in Iraq. But it did cover issues in Gaza and Kaiktsian, and concerns about China and Taiwan.

Basically, the show covered the same topics people still argue over today: education, taxes, infrastructure, wars, life and death.

I developed a fan girl crush on C.J. Craig, who was initially the White House press secretary and then later Chief of Staff. I had no idea Allison Janney could act so well.

The first four seasons were the best. Season 5 in particular felt way off; I think Aaron Sorkin had left as a show writer by then. The show found better footing in seasons 6 and 7, although I missed the focus on what was going on in the White House as the show followed the candidates for the next upcoming presidential election.

I was impressed with the way the writers handled the president's revelation that he had multiple sclerosis, something he hid from the public in his first election. I also liked that Marlee Matlin, who is deaf, had occasional roles and played a powerful poll analyst. The show also tackled PTSD after a shooting in season 2. It is good to be reminded that people with disabilities and illnesses can play crucial and vital roles in society.

Here's a rundown of the seasons from Wikipedia:

• In the first season, the Bartlet administration is in its second year and is still having trouble settling in and making progress on legislative issues.
• The second season covers the aftermath of a shooting at Rosslyn, the 2000 midterm elections, and dealings with a new Congress and sees scandal when the White House is rocked by allegations of criminal conduct and the President must decide whether he will run for a second term.
• The third and fourth seasons take an in-depth look at the campaign trail and the specter of both foreign and domestic terrorism.
• In the fifth season, the President begins to encounter more issues on the foreign front, while at home he faces off with the newly elected Speaker of the House, battles controversy over Supreme Court appointments and oversees a daring plan to save Social Security.
• The sixth season chronicles the quest to replace President Bartlet in the next election, following the primary campaigns of several candidates from both parties, while the President himself attempts to build his legacy but finds his ability to govern compromised by his illness.
• In the seventh season, the President must face a leak of confidential information about a secret Department of Defense program from inside the White House, while the Democratic and Republican candidates battle to succeed him in the general election.

The second season was shocking when an attempted assassination and shooting of staff took place. Given the nature of the USA, it seemed an inevitable event that had to be included.

The one thing the show did that I did not like was when Leo, who was Chief of Staff and played by John Spencer, had a heart attack and he was left alone in the woods at Camp David. It seemed a serious breach of protocol to simply fly off in a helicopter without all staff accounted for. He was found sometime later, still alive, but I did not care for this part at all.

The show first aired on Wednesday nights at 9 p.m. I don't know why we did not see it when it aired initially. Perhaps there was some other show we were watching at the same time, or maybe I had meetings on Wednesday nights and simply missed the first few episodes. If I miss the first episodes of a series, I tend not to jump in midstream and try to catch up.

We started watching the show on Max, which was celebrating The West Wing's 25th anniversary season. On January 1, the show disappeared from Max (it later returned and is on there now), and we were only through the first three seasons, so I ordered the DVDs to finish it up. There is commentary on the DVDs we did not watch but I want to go back sometime and pick that up.

The characters made the show, but it was also sobering to realize the types of real-life crises that the president and his staff must deal with. If it is not dealt with properly, then it costs real lives, maybe even yours or mine. The people who make up the leadership of a country should be the most intelligent and empathetic souls we can find.